Friday, June 29, 2007

words for artists in the church from McClaren and Miller

[from Brian McClaren's bio]What is one thing you would say to artists and leaders who are just starting out in ministry?
Your idealism is a precious gift, but it can also become a kind of weapon turned either on yourself or others when you or they fall short of your high ideals. So keep your ideals high, but keep your sense of grace and compassion high too.

What is one thing you would say to artists and leaders who have been involved in ministry a long time?
The need to make a living can turn us into 'entertainers' instead of prophetic leaders. So be sure you're taking a risk and resisting the pressure of the religious subculture to provide it with more 'products and propaganda' masquerading as art.

[from Donald Miller's bio]What is one thing you would say to artists and leaders who are just starting out?
I think artists and leaders both, who are working in evangelical culture, would do well to establish community outside of Christian community. This will round out their perspective so they have something to offer evangelical culture. This is not so difficult. A part-time job at a bookstore, starting a book club, cooking club or joining a neighborhood association are all ways to connect with people outside your church.

What is one thing you would say to artists and leaders who have been involved in ministry a long time?
I could only offer the same answer as the previous question, that is...to broaden our perspectives by broadening the kinds of stimulation we receive as artists.

Tamara Hill Murphy

I am Tamara Murphy: born and raised in a cynical, smalltown Northeast still harboring a penchant for hope and big ideas. Now I live in the bright city of Austin, Texas with my audacious and often-homesick family: two daughters, two sons, one husband.

I believe in the power of the written word. I read and write words to make friends with the ancient, present and future. I write to encourage both you and me to see God's presence through daily practices of art, liturgy and relationship.